Photo Of the Day - Bandipur, Nepal

Helicopter Tours

For Wedding and Luxurious Honey moon Package in Mt. Everest and other stunning Mountains
Couples please do inquiry us.

• Mt Everest Heli Tour USD $1300 PP 
• Mt Annapurna Heli Tour USD $1500 
• Gosainkunda Heli Tour USD $500
• Halesi mahadev Heli Tour USD $1500
• Muktinath Heli Tour USD $1500 PP [2 Nights/ 3 Days]
• Wildlife Heli Tour USD $900 PP [ Chitwan National Park 2 Nights/ 3 Days]
• Lumbini Heli Tour USD $1500 PP [2 Nights/ 3 Days]
• Pokhara Sightseeing USD $95 PP [ Flight from Pokhara based on 3 PAX flying together ]
• Rara lake Heli Tour USD $2000 PP 

Write us for more information; info@alfrescoadventure.com
url;www.alfrescoadventure.com

Alfresco Car/Jeep rental service

Popular Tourist Destinations In Nepal

Ilam:

Illam is a beautiful hilly district in eastern Nepal. Situated 600 km east from Kathmandu, ilam is best known for its tea gardens. Tea produced in ilam is famous all over the world, especially in Europian countries. Ilam is home to different species of birds and animalsincluding the endangered red panda. Apart from the beautiful tea gardens, Antu Danda is another attraction in the district. Antu danda also known as shree antu is a great place to view sunrise. Maipokhari is another important destination in this place having natural and cultural significance. Siddhithumka is another attraction of the district which is also famous for viewing sunrise and sunset.mane bhanjyang, a pass that connects illam with Darjeeling in india is another attraction in the district.

Bhedetar:

Bhedetar is a small village in dhankuta district along the koshi highway. The place became popular after prince Charles visited it. There is also a place called Charles point, which offers a magnificent views of mountains in eastern Nepal.Bhedetar also has a view tower ata vantage point offering attractive views of terai plains in south and snowcapped mountains in the North. Bhedetar is a popular stopover for visitors heading to hilly district in Eastern Nepal.

Namche Bazar:

Namche bazar is often regarded a the gateway to Mount Everest. It is a Sherpa settlement and a meeting point for trekkers heading to different destinations in the Everest regions. Namche bazar can be reached after a two-day trek from lukla air strip. A trek of around three hours from namche bazar takes visitors to the beautiful Sherpa villages of khumjung and kunde lying on the laps of khumbi-la, beautiful greatly revered by the Sherpa people. There is a beautiful monastery on the upper part of Namchebazar.

Dhulikhel:

Dhulikhel, located just 30 km east of Kathmandu along the araniko Highway, is another popular hill station in kavre district. Dhulikhel is an ancient newari settlement which always comes alive with different cultural activities and processions. Dhulikhel offers magnificent views of mountains like ganes Himal, lakpa dorgee, jugal and others.

Pokhara:

Pokhara , located 200 km west of Kathmandu, is beautiful valley of lakes. The valley is home to beautiful lakes – phewa, begnas, rupa, dipand, maidi and khoste among others. But the phewa lake is the major attraction in pokhara. The towering peak of machhapuchre lake is the icon of pokhara valley. Other attractions in pokhara are: Davie’s fall, mahendra cave, barahi temple, chamere cave world peace stupa and seti gorge among others. Sarangkot is a popular hill station in pokhara and offres magnificent views of mountains in Annapurna range. Sarangkot peak is also the takeoff point for paragliding trips. Pokhara is also the home for international mountain museum, the only mountain museum in the country. Visitors can also enjoy varous adventurous activities like rafting, kayaking, mountain flight, paragliding,  flying in ultralight aircraft among others.

Jomsom:

Jomsom, the district headquarter of mustang district is a beautiful thakali settlement and a popular stopover on the famous Annapurna circuit trekking trail. Jomsom is famous for thakali people who are renowned for their hospitality and culinary art. Jomsom offers magnificent views of mountains peaks in the likes of nilgiri, Dhaulagiri and Annapurna among others. Jomsom is the hub for pilgrims heading to the temple of Muktinath. Situated at an altitude of 3749 m, the pagoda style devoted to lord shiva. There are 108 water sprouts, where pilgrims take bath, before worshipping the main shrine in temple. There is also a small volcano in the temple premises which pilgrims worship as jwala devi or the goddess of fire. Jomsom is the straight point for treks in upper Mustang. Regular flights are available to jomsom from pokhara on mornings as strong winds in the afternoon makes it difficult to flights to land.

 Contd...

Reservation office:

Alfresco Adventure Travel

Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal

ph: +977 14420840

info@alfrescoadventure.com

url: www.alfrescoadventure.com

Jaljala Trek – The Hidden Treasure of Rolpa

Rolpa, lying in a mid western part of Nepal, is one of the most backward districts in terms of infrastructure. However, it is regarded as one of the exciting potential tourism destinations in the country because of its nature, culture and political history. District headquarters Libang lies approximately 300 km west of Kathmandu. Kham Magars are the major inhabitants of the district followed by other groups like Brahmins, Chettris, Newars and Thakuris. Rolpa is the origin of the decade-long People’s War which claimed more than 10,000 people. Jaljala is one of the popular destinations in the district with immense tourism potentials. A detailed itinerary of a trek to Jaljala is given below:


Day 01: Kathmandu- Sulichaur (Drive 12 hrs)
The starting point of trek, Sulichaur, is connected by road from Kathmandu. Surface transport is the only alternative to reach Rolpa unless you charter a helicopter. You can fly to Bhairahawa and drive for six hours to reach Sulichaur. The hill drive is a joy with scenic attraction along the way. Night buses to Sulichaur leave from Gongabu Bus Park and you can reach Sulichaur early next morning.
Sulichaur is both the starting and ending point of this trek. It is a commercial hub of Rolpa district. Lying at an altitude of 810m above sea level, Sulichaur lies near the confluence of Lungri Khola and Fagam Khola. According to locals, early rulers of Sulichaur, the Kham Rajas, used to give capital punishment to guilty people at this very place. Medium range of accommodation is available at Sulichaur.


Day 02: Sulichaur-Kotalbara (1606m) – Drive: 4 hrs, Trek 4 hrs
The drive begins after breakfast at Sulichaur. The jeep drive on a graveled road passes through Sunchahari fall. Sunchahari fall (1450m) is one of the major attractions of the area. It can be reached after a drive of two and half hours from Sulichaur. Sunchahari is derived from two words – sun meaning gold and chahari meaning stream. Locals believed that gold used to flow in the stream in the past. After a drive of about half an hour, you reach Pobang – a small settlement ideal for tea and light snacks. There are a few teashops and a medical store Pobang. Fulibang, where the graveled road ends, is only half an hours of drive away. The trek starts after having lunch at Fulibang. The hike from Fulibang to Kotalbara is a gentle warm up with no steep climb. After walking on the smooth trail for two and half hours, you reach Sirkyang which offers magnificent view of hills, rivers and settlements below. A walk of about one and half hours from Sirkyang, takes you to Kotalbara (1606m) – the destination for the day. Kotalbara is a small settlement with basic accommodation facility available.


Day 03: Kotalbara- Commune village (2217m) – Walk: 7 hrs
This day is one of the most exciting days of the trek as you go through varieties of geographical conditions. After breakfast at Kotalbara, the walk passes through the normal trail till Posbang River. After crossing the suspension bridge over the river, the walk is mostly uphill. A walk of about four hours from Posbang River takes us to Posbang for lunch. Posbang is a small village with a few tea houses. After lunch, the walk passes through Dilbhanjyang (2576m) – the highest point of the day – to reach Sandho River. You walk upstream through the river because there are no trails available. After navigating the River for about half an hours, you reach Ajambari Commune – the destination of the day. Ajambari Commune (2217m) is perhaps the only remnant of Maoist’s People’s War. Based in purely socialist concept, this commune, which was established in 2000 at the height of insurgency, consists of two houses. As many as 22 families used to reside here during insurgency. At present, only four families are living in the commune. These families don’t have private property. The stay in this commune will give you the insights of people’s war, their motivation towards socialism and their innovation. In order to sustain themselves, they are looking for the alternative economic activities for which they have already initiated some modern forms of agriculture such as Truffle mushroom and ground apple.


Day 04: Ajambari Commune-Thabang (2000m)
Morning can be spent by talking to ex-combatants about their experience about the People’s War. After lunch at Commune, the trek progresses toward Thabang (2000m), popularly known as the headquarters of the People’s War. Thabang can be reached after a hike of about one and half hours through wild marijuana field from the Commune. If you have informed the local Magar community of your visit, you will be accorded warm welcome amidst enchanting music and colorful dance. Here, you can stay in homestay, teahouse or a commune. In the evening, you can enjoy cultural performance of the local Magar community.


Day 5: Thabang
Thabang is popularly known as the headquarters of People’s War. It is also the village which was affected the most during insurgency. The official Maoist document states that it is a place from where People’s War originated.
Bhumya Puja is one of the most significant cultural attractions you will observe in this village. Celebrated just before the start of monsoon (mid June), the whole village celebrate it for five days. Bhumya means land and puja means worshipping, hence this festival is about worshipping the land. The festival starts with a sacrifice of sheep or pig in Thabang River and Selsine marathon which is held among youths. Selsine is a marathon competition where any guy is free to pick a girl (whether or not she agrees) and run her away toward the river. Then they gather in a ground and dance for the whole day. Food, drink, song and dance are all what Thabangis look for over the next four days. The typical day start with invitation by a person through chant and people in the ethnic dress and ornaments gather in the ground and dance for whole day. The concluding ceremony includes dismantling of pole erected on the first day and throwing into the river.
Hiking to nearby Dhakpa hills is among one of the popular activities for tourists at Thabang. If you are lucky, you might be rewarded with the view of the endangered Red Panda. A walk of about three hours from Dhakpa will take you to the neighboring Rukum district. Another viewing point is Ghamchin which offers you views of mountains peaks like Sisne Himal, Otha Himal and other peaks in the Dhaulagiri range.


Day 06: Thabang-Jaljala (3107m) -- Walk 6 hrs
After breakfast, you will trek to Jaljala a place of great significance in terms of nature, religion, and politics to the Rolpa district. Situated at an altitude of 3107m above sea level, Jaljala can be reached after a steep climb about six hours from Thabang. There are no tea houses available along the trek. If you are traveling during monsoon, brace for the leech bites.
Jaljala, meaning a water land, is a grassland that is wet almost round the year. There is a natural reservoir of water from where water flows in almost every direction all the year round. From April to September, wild flowers decorate the entire area. The place also offers beautiful views of Sisne Himal, Dhaulagiri and Otha Himal among others. Also, the Bhama Cave, which is yet to be explored to the fullest, is the other attraction of Jaljala.
Jaljala is also a popular pilgrimage for people of the mid-west. During the full moon of April, May and June, people from various part, be it Tarai or hills, travel to this region with sheep to sacrifice in the four temples (known as Than in local language). Hundreds of sheep are slaughtered during these three months. You need to be self-sufficient while traveling to Jaljala as no tea house is available there. However, there are a few Dharmashalas that offer accommodation to visitors.


Day 07: Jaljala- Dharampani (3600m)- Majhibang (2100m) – 7 hrs
After breakfast, you trek uphill towards Dharampani -- the highest point of the trek. Weather permitting, you can see various mountain ranges from here. Dharampani can be reached after a walk of three hours from Jaljala. Since there is no human settlement and the place is windy almost all the year round, it is recommended that you take packed lunch with you. After having lunch at Dharampani, the walk goes downward to Majhbang after crossing the highest pass of the trek. The pass is steep grasslands with narrow trail. This is the toughest part of the trek. There are no human settlements until you reach Nabang (3193m) from where you can reach Libang or Majhibang. Lying at an attitude of 2100m, Majhibang can be reached after a walk of four hours from Dharampani. Upon reaching the village, you will be welcomed by the local Magar people. Accommodation is at the home of one of the Magars.


Day 08: Majhibang
Majhibaang is one of the most advanced villages you will see during the trek. The houses are clean and well furnished, have toilets and improved cooking stove which consumes less wood and emits less smoke. Untouched by the road, it lies between the two rivers, giving it the name Majhi Bang (literally middle ground). A typical day in Majhibang starts by listening to the stories of people during the conflict. Trekkers can get to see mines and explosives used during the war. After lunch, you can visit the micro hydro project initiated by local people themselves. Also you can visit the iron and gold mines near the village which were believed to be in use in the past. In the evening, you can enjoy cultural performance by the local Magar people.


Day 09: Majhibang-Jailbang-Sulichaur – Walk: 2 hrs, Drive 4 hrs
After breakfast, a walk of about one and half hours take you to Jailbang which is popular known as the sister village of Majhibang. Here also you will be welcomed by the Magar community amid cultural performance. After lunch, a walk of about an hour takes us to the place where vehicle to Sulichaur is available.

Day 10: Sulichaur-Kathmandu
Drive back to Kathmandu.

For more info:
http://www.alfrescoadventure.com/

Lower Mustang, Nepal

Lower Mustang, Nepal
Trekking in this region is an adventure in wonderland. Astonishing altitude variations and ecological diversity make this area overflow with natural beauty. Trek across sacred valleys surrounded by enormous peaks and encounter people from diverse ethnic backgrounds who have carved a lifestyle out of the steep terraces and barren plateaus of the area for thousand of years. For more details:
http://alfrescotreks.com/nepal/trekking/jomsom-muktinath-trek.html

Trekking in Nepal- Facts

Trekking in Nepal

Types of Trekking

There are mainly two types of trekking which can be done in Nepal.

a. Tea House Trekking
b. Fully organized camping trek.

Tea House Trekking :

Tea House trek can be done only the popular area such as Annapurna, Langtang, the route to Everest, Manaslu, Mustang, where overnight at the best available lodge arround the area. All the necessary trekking gear is carried by porters and the route is led by the professonal guide. We provide All the necessary high quality equipment like sleeping bags, water bottle during the trek. Three meals( breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) ,accommodation and staff insurance are included.

Fully organized Camping trek :

A fully organized trek is one, which is self sufficient , where we take along all the necessary food and camping equipment. In this trek, we are able to set our own pace and travel through places touched or untouched by mass tourism. There are professional Guides, Sherpas,cooks, Kitchen helpers, porters or Yaks to take care of all the technical and logistical aspects of the trip. Every day our staff will set the camp and oue well trained professional cooks prepares the delicious semi- western type meals. Our trekking guide acquaints you with the local culture and customs.

Trekking Grade

All our trips are graded from Easy to Strenous. Trip grading should be considered as a guide only; they are general indications considering relevant factors including length, conditions and altitude and are designed to give you an idea of the participation required on any given trip. Trips strenuous for some are quite easy for others. Pre-travel conditioning is very desirable as the more prepared you are, the more you will enjoy the trip.

Grade A (Easy Trek) :

This is a pleasant and easiest trek. You can walk at a relaxed pace rarely exceeding 6 hours an altitude from 1200 m. to 3000m. However, reasonable physical fitness and preparation is required.

Grade B (ModerateTrek):

You will walk 6 to 7 hours a day, reaching an altitude of 4000 meter and require good fitness level and pre trek training.

Grade C (Strenuous) :

It is comparatively harder trek. Some days are more strenuous walking up to 8 hours a day and reaching an altitude of 4000 meter to 5500 meter and having over 18 days of trek. A high level of Fitness is required.

Trekking Season

Trekking in Nepal can be undertaken throughout the year depending on the region.

There are 4 seasons

Autumn ( Sept- Nov) : The best season offering excellent weather and tantalizing mountain views.

Winter   ( Dec- Feb) :  The ideal season for trekking at lower altitude, generally below than 3300 metres.

Spring ( March – May) : The second best trekking season. The temperature is quite moderate, the rhododendrons are in blossom and the mountain views are excellent.

Summer (June- August ) : This is the favorite season to trek in the rain shadow areas like Mustang, Upper Manang and Dolpo. This season is also recommended for forest researchers and botanist. 

Warning: raincoats and insect repellents are strictly necessary in this period.

Nepal Hiking Tour

This tour is for those who want to have a taste of short, soft hiking to the Himalayan foot hills without much exertion and without losing comfort and/yet spend a couple of days in the arms of peaceful nature and beautiful mountain scenery.

The hike we choose for  this tour is the hike to hill of Dhampus near Pokhara. Dhampus is a ethnic village at the top of a forested ridge offering a close view of a long range of Himalayan panorama including mt Fishtail, Annapurnas, Machapuchhare, Hiunchuli , Dhaulagiri etc.  It is accessible after one hour of drive and three hours of hike , making it ideal destination even for family groups or elderly people. We keep you in clean , well run family inns with attached private bath in the mountain.

Before we do Dhampus, we would offer you a tour of heritage sites in Kathmandu and a tour in the relaxing lake town of Pokhara, where we take you for a visit to a waterfall and  cave  and boating on the Phewa lake and leave free  for rest of the time to enjoy on your own.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmadu, transfer to hotel
Day 2: Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu including Swoyambhunath, Bouddhanath and Kathmandu Durbar square.
Day 3: Fly to Pokhara , short tour in Pokhara visiting the waterfall and boating on the  lake. Laze around the lovely market along
the lake with nice shops and cafes.
Day 4: Drive to Phedi ( 45 mins ) and hike to Dhampus hill (3.5- 4 hrs) . Overnight in mountain lodge. Enjoy great mountain view and lovely sunset.
Day 5: Watch the sunrise on Himalayan panorama. Hike back to Pokhara . Fly back to Kathmandu at 3.00 pm .Overnight in Kathmandu hotel
Day 6: Fly back to home / onward destination

Trip cost: USD 650 per person
                   USD 750 (for a solo tour) 

Included in the price

·         All surface transfers including arrival and departure transfers in a private car.

·         Kathmandu to Pokhara return airfare

·         Guided tour in Kathmandu and Pokhara , all entry fees, boating fees etc.

·         Three star hotel on bed and breakfast basis, twin sharing rooms

·         Two lunches , one dinner and one breakfast ,  tea and coffee during the two day hike, accomodation on mountain lodges.

·         Salary, insurance and all expenses of our guide and porter for the hike.

Not included in the price

·         Nepal entry visa ( requires USD 25 and one photograph, granted upon
arrival in Kathmandu.

·         Nepal internal airport tax USD 2

·         Water , alcoholic drinks, tips, lunch and dinner in  Katrhmandu
and Pokhara. 

Amazing Nepal

Chitwan Chepang Hill Trail Trek

Chitwan is widely known for its National Park, famous for its population of rhinos, tigers and elephants. However, this trail leads you through the unexplored beautiful hillsides of Chitwan. Besides the natural beauty, the trail offers cultural highlights of one of the indigenous communities of Nepal. This area is home to the Chepang people who lead a semi-nomadic life and have rich cultural traditions. Due to their distinct life style and the remoteness of their homeland, this indigenous group belongs to the much marginalized groups of Nepal.
The trail is designed to lead through the homeland of Chepangs and their lovely villages in order to generate income possibilities for them and to raise awareness about Chepang culture among foreign visitors and Nepali people. This trail lies at a moderate altitude and in a comfortable climate zone.


Itinerary Details

Days 1: Arrival day in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)
Welcome to Himalayan country of Nepal. Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan intl. airport our representative welcomes you and assists to transfer in your hotel in Kathmandu. After time to get refreshed, and overnight at Hotel.

Days 2: Kathmandu – Hugdi Bazaar (306m.)– Hattibang 3 hrs Drive
Departure to Chepang Heritage Trail. You arrive at Hugdi Bazaar (82 Km from KTM) and walk about five hours from Hugdi Bazaar to Hattibang, a beautiful village with magnificent mountain views. Here you stay overnight in local homes or community-managed guest houses.

Days 3: Hattibang – Juatesh – Changa Dinglang – Jyandala (1600m.) 4 hrs. Trek
You walk approximately three hours to Jyandala, a Chepang village. You follow the trail through a vivid landscape and reach Siraichuli (1,945 m, one of the highest hills of the Mahabharat range), from where you can enjoy spectacular views of Himalayan peaks like Rolwaling, Gaurishankar, Langtang, Gorkha Himal, Peak 29, Himalchuli, Manaslu, the Annapurnas, Dhaulagiri and others. Towards South lie the green jungles of the Chitwan National Park in the Tarai.

Days 4: Jyandala –Siraichuli – Chisapanitar – Gadi (1275m.) 4:30 Hrs. Trek.
It takes about seven hours trek from Jyandala to Gadi via Siraichuli and Chisapanitar. The trail leads you through an ever changing landscape to Uppardang Gadi which used to be the headquarter of Chitwan until early 1962. The remains of a historic fort that defended the surrounding countryside are still in existence. Nature and the spectacular views make it an ideal place to stay overnight with local families.

Days 5: Gadi – Shaktikhor (355m.) 5 Hrs. Trek.
The way from Gadi to Shaktikhor takes about three hours. Shaktikor is another Chepang village and the centre of the sustainable tourism initiative of the Chepang people. They established a Chepang Museum and a visitor's information centre which both serve as tourist attractions and as educational service centers. Caves and waterfalls around the village invite you for a stroll in the area.

Days 6: Return back to Kathmandu
Overnight at Kathmandu hotel



for more detail:
Phone: (00977-1-4420840)
Mobile: (977) 98510 49483
Fax: 00977-1-4266534
Email: info@alfrescoadventure.com
alfresconepal@gmail.com

Nepal- A curious Land Nepal has an ancient history, no doubt about it, it is often said that our Malla forefathers were living in comfortably built houses in well-functioning communities much before the Americans built log cabins in America. In other words, while they lived in tents, Nepalis, especially in Kathmandu Valley, lived like kings. However, much of Nepal’s ancient history is unknown. Therefore, the discovery of an ancient life-sized statue in Maligaon of Kathmandu in 1994 was the cause of much fanfare. More so, because it had an inscription in an ancient script, which read thus: ‘Samvat 107 sri paramadeva pka maharajesu jayavarmma’. Heated debate between experts resulted in the final literal translation, which read thus: ‘The year 107. Among the Kings, the Fourth, Late Sri Jayavarmma.’ This was fuel for the fodder as far as the country’s history was concerned; a chapter was added, so to say. You can view this statue of the once-famous king, a statue with the earliest Licchavi inscription ever found here, in the stone sculpture room at the National Museum in Chauni, Kathmandu. You may also observe many other ancient artifacts at this museum, making it worth a visit However, as many know, it is not only at the museum that visitors can get a glimpse of Nepal’s rich treasure of objects d’art. The whole of Kathmandu Valley is often referred to as a living museum, with antiques on public display, and still very much in everyday use, in many old houses, courtyards, temples, and monasteries. The three durbar squares of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur, and their vicinity are major locations where you will get to practice your keen eye for detail as you study the hundreds of stone, metal, and wooden artifacts at every nook and corner. For the really clever tourist, one would suggest that carrying a notebook to note details as described by locals could be a rewarding exercise, for who knows, you could end up being a well recognized expert on the subject through your informative blogs on the internet. This is what is meant by the phrase, ‘a rewarding trip.’ Now, expanding on this, if you wish to gain still more insight into Nepal’s objects d’art, make it a point to spend some time at some curio shops around the three above-mentioned cities. While you won’t lack for a choice, the number of such shops being many, there are some which have better collections, besides, and equally importantly, more knowledgeable owners. In Kathmandu, such shops may be found in Thamel, Basantpur, and Durbar Marg, while in Bhaktapur and Patan, the durbar square areas are the places to focus on. While most artifacts are based on religious subjects, for example, paubhas and thankas (religion-based paintings) and statues of gods and goddesses, there are other items that are worth putting on your cabinet in the sitting room back home, for their curiosity value—curios, in other words. Thankas and paubhas, of course, are prized souvenirs for the same purpose, that of tickling guests’ interest, and you can visit reputed places like Dharmapala Thanka Center in Durbar Marg and Thanka House in Thamel for the same. Be prepared, however, to shell out big bucks for some really fancy pieces. Genuinely ancient pieces are rare nowadays, nonetheless, those on display, ancient or not, are a sight for sore eyes. Similarly, the glittering metal statues (some of the gilted) in a shop like Fabulous Handicraft Center in Thamel will cause your eyes to rest their wandering for some time. Prices could reach high plateaus but you can also get smaller sized, but as exquisitely crafted, items at affordable rates. One place that should be part of your itinerary is Patan Industrial Estate, where you’ll not only find a lot of showrooms, but where you could actually watch craftsmen at work. Two such places could be: Patan Woodcarving Industries and Arniko Sculpture Center. Now, talking about curious, Shiva and Parvati Handicrafts in Thamel is a prime destination for spending a few hours rummaging through all sorts of intriguing bric-a-brac. Here, the owner is supposed to be quite an expert on the subject, so sit down with him over a cup of tea and chit-chat away. There’s another old timer, the owner of New Curio Shop, this too in Thamel, who’s also good to go. Here’s some stuff you’ll find in such shops, which should give you a good idea about what to expect: bells, musical instruments, boxes, masks, manuscripts, vessels, primitive figures, and clothes. Antique locks (bhote talcha), mana pathis (set of 8 measuring vessels of Licchavi period), dhungro’ (milking pails), Shaman sets (belt with lots of curious hardware worn by Tamang shamans), ‘lisnus’ (narrow wooden ladders of Trishuli), etc. etc. The musical instruments are of course, indigenous, and inlcude dhyangro, bansuri, tungna, sarangi, narsimha, dama, dholke, jhyali, shehnai, tempu, kernel, etc. Tibet is a rich source for curios as well, and Tibetan stuff found here includes red wooden chests, leather boxes, thankas, old chairs, ancient carpets, and so on and so forth. Other things you may see in these shops are various types of weapons, ancient carved doors, old jewelry, etc. Well, you get the picture? There’s plenty of good stuff out there, stuff you could never have imagined, in the curio shops of Kathmandu Valley. Things that will certainly make your guests back home exclaim with delight, “How wonderful!”

Naturally nepal- A video describing Nepal's beauty

Gosaikunda Lake:

Trekking to Gosaikunda: The popular start to the trek to Gosaikunda are in Dhunche Village or Syabru Besi both from the Langtang side. Alternatively, trekkers may also start from Sundarijal, which lies on the outskirts of Kathmandu. If you are starting from Dhunche, the first day involves a long steady climb to reach Chandan Bari, which is at a height of about 3200 metres. On the second day, one reaches Laurebinayak at about 3700 metres. At this point, some trekkers choose to climb ahead to Gosaikund, though altitude sickness is a concern due to rapid ascent. Many trekkers choose to stay at Laurebinayak which also provides excellent sunset and sunrise views of the Langtang and Ganesh Himal. The descent from Gosaikund to Sundarijal takes about four days. The first day involves a short climb to Laurebina pass (4600 metres) and a rapid descent to Phedi or Ghopte. Depending on pace, there are options to stay at Tharepati, Mangengoth, Kutumsang and afterwards at many village habitations every two hours. Accommodation is quite easily available, though basic and a variety of food options are also available at tea house stops. The trails are very well marked, except between Ghopte and Thorepati, where chances of losing ones way are real. For more info: www.alfrescoadventure.com call us on: 9851049483 (Gautam Wagle)